Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship 2025 (Fully Funded Research Fellowship in the UK)
Description
The Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship 2025 is a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for established international researchers to spend up to 12 months conducting collaborative research at a leading UK university or research institution. Designed to strengthen global research partnerships and foster scientific excellence, this fellowship is ideal for high-impact scientists seeking sabbatical research experience in the United Kingdom.
Overview of the Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship
The Royal Society, in collaboration with the Wolfson Foundation, invites international scientific leaders to apply for its 2025 Wolfson Visiting Fellowship. The program aims to:
- Attract world-renowned researchers to the UK in key strategic areas
- Strengthen international collaborative links between UK and overseas institutions
- Support impactful and innovative research across the UK science base
The fellowship offers up to £125,000 in funding, allowing flexibility in duration (from 3 months to 12 months full-time, or part-time over 2 years).
Degree Level
Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship 2025 (Fully Funded Research Fellowship in the UK) is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at UK Universities, The Royal Society.
Available Subjects
Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
- All Subjects
Benefits
What the Fellowship Offers
Fellows may request funding for:
- Bursary up to £80,000 per year (full-time equivalent), supported or supplemented by the host institution
- Research expenses, including consumables, small equipment (up to £10,000), travel, fieldwork, and visa costs
- Relocation and visa costs for the fellow and their dependents
- Childcare support during conferences and research visits
- Flexible arrangements for part-time working, sabbaticals, and parental or sick leave
All funds are provided to facilitate a productive sabbatical period in the UK, with the aim of long-term collaborative research outcomes.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities outside UK.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be an internationally leading researcher with a strong record of independent, high-quality scientific research
- Be currently based outside the UK
- Have a firm offer from a UK university or not-for-profit research institution to host the visit
- Work in a field within the natural sciences, including but not limited to biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, engineering, and biomedical sciences
- Not be moving between UK institutions
- Be eligible for a Global Talent Visa under the UK’s fast-track endorsement process
There are no nationality restrictions. Researchers from all countries are encouraged to apply.
Application Procedure
The application process is nomination-based. Here’s how it works:
- A representative (typically the Head of Department) from the UK host institution must contact the Royal Society at seniorfellowships@royalsociety.org to obtain a nomination form.
- Once the nomination is approved, the host will receive a link for the nominated candidate to complete the full application through Flexi-Grant.
- Applications undergo eligibility checks, followed by expert peer review, and are then reviewed by the Wolfson Fellowships Selection Panel.
- Final funding decisions are made based on scientific excellence, collaboration potential, and strategic value.
Applicants are advised to read the full scheme notes on the Royal Society’s official website before applying.
Key Dates and Deadline:
Round 3:
- Open: 11 June 2025
- Close: 04 September 2025
- Decision by: 31 December 2025
Applications must be submitted via Flexi-Grant after nomination by a UK host institution.
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
The Royal Society is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in science. Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and those requiring adjustments due to disability are strongly encouraged to apply. Support includes:
- Deadline extensions
- Alternate formats of the application form
- Technical assistance during interviews
- Financial support for accessibility-related costs
All adjustment requests are handled confidentially.
Why Apply for the Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship?
This fellowship offers more than just funding—it’s a strategic opportunity for international researchers to:
- Advance high-impact scientific projects with UK collaborators
- Expand global research networks
- Access world-class research facilities in the UK
- Influence innovation in their field of expertise
The Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship 2025 is one of the UK’s most respected international fellowship programs, helping top scientists accelerate their careers while contributing meaningfully to the global scientific community.
Final Thoughts
If you are a senior researcher or rising scientific leader seeking a funded sabbatical research fellowship in the UK, the Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship 2025 is an exceptional opportunity. With generous financial support, flexible research arrangements, and access to top UK institutions, this program is a gateway to advancing international collaboration and scientific discovery.
Applications for the next round close on 04 September 2025. Begin the nomination process now.
For more details, visit the official Royal Society website.
